Hospitals and clinics offering Image Guided Radiotherapy in Germany

CyberKnife Center of Hamburg has an excellent track record for cancer treatment with the use of high technology. Among others, they specialize in CyberKnife radiosurgery, radiation oncology, stereotactic radiotherapy, diagnostic radiology.

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Oncology centers in Germany (Page 1 of 1)

About Image Guided Radiotherapy

This information is intended for general information only and should not be considered as medical advice on the part of Health-Tourism.com. Any decision on medical treatments, after-care or recovery should be done solely upon proper consultation and advice of a qualified physician.

What is image guided radiotherapy (IGRT)?

Image-guided radiation therapy is a method of radiation therapy that uses imaging techniques during the course of radiation treatment that directs radiation therapy in order to utilize the imaging coordinates of the radiation treatment plan. The radiation therapy technique controls cancer tumors through the use of radiation treatment. It is an example of the conformal radiotherapy that helps shape the radiotherapy beams around the cancerous region.

During the image guided radiotherapy, X-rays and scans are used to study the cancerous region and inform the doctors of the shape, size and position of cancer. Image-guided radiotherapy incorporates the use of frequent images to ensure precise targeting of the radiation of the affected area to minimize the damage to healthy cells and organs. A variety of imaging techniques such as the 2-D, 3-D are used to position the body to ensure the accurate focus of the tumor.

Image-guided radiotherapy is the standard care for radiation therapy and id ideal for tumors and cancers located very close to sensitive structures and organs. The impact of image-guided radiotherapy continues to evolve with the advancement of technology that enables doctors to understand better the working of the human body.

Types of images used in the image guided radiotherapy

Computed tomography

Fluoroscopy

Magnetic resonance imaging

Positron emission tomography

Conventional CT scans

Optical tracking

Megavoltage Computed tomography

Ultrasound

Digital X-ray

Advantages of the image guided radiotherapy

Improve the accuracy of the radiation field placement

Reduce the exposure of healthy tissue during radiation treatment

There is accurate delivery of radiation to the cancerous cells

Improved localization, definition and monitoring of tumor position, size and shape before and during treatment

The possibility of higher, dosage of targeted radiation to improve tumor control

Decreased radiation exposure to normal tissue surrounding the tumor

Types of cancers treated using the images guided radiotherapy

Head and neck cancer

Lung cancer

Prostate cancer

Breast cancer

Gastrointestinal cancer such as stomach cancer

Steps taken during the planning of the image guided radiotherapy

A CT scan is taken to the radiotherapy department

MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (Positron emission tomography) scans of the area to be exposed to radiation treatment.

The results of the scans are fed into the radiotherapy computer used in planning.

The computer program then designs the radiation beams that resemble the tumor to ensure that healthy tissue is not exposed to the radiation

The skin is where the cancerous cells are marked to ensure only that area is treated during other sessions

Where the radiotherapy is happening to your neck and head, a plastic mask or mould will be worn during treatment.

Side effects of the image guided radiotherapy

The possibility of developing side effects in the image guided radiotherapy is low but the side effects may include: